An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Archived Content
    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.
  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. Border Patrol Agents Arrest 3 for Human Smuggling

Border Patrol Agents Arrest 3 for Human Smuggling

Release Date
Thu, 04/14/2016

SAN DIEGO — Wednesday night, Border Patrol agents in East County San Diego intercepted two human-smuggling incidents at the Pine Valley checkpoint on Interstate 8.

The first incident took place at about 9 p.m., when agents patrolling near Campo spotted an individual suspected of illegally entering the U.S. from Mexico.  Agents observed the individual get into a 1986 Mercedes-Benz sedan that was travelling on State Route 94.  The agents followed the vehicle as it travelled towards the Border Patrol checkpoint near Pine Valley.

Upon arrival at the checkpoint, agents referred the 38-year-old male driver of the Mercedes-Benz to an inspection area and discovered a 44-year-old male Mexican national locked inside the trunk of the sedan.  

Agents arrested the driver, who also was found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

El Cajon Station Patrol Agent in Charge Mark Moody commented, “This is yet another prime example of the smugglers’ callous disregard for human life and highlights our enforcement efforts to mitigate this threat.”

A separate smuggling apprehension took place this morning at about midnight, when a 2015 Kia Optima occupied by a 19-year-old female driver and 28-year-old male passenger arrived at the Pine Valley checkpoint for inspection.  During the inspection, agents searched the vehicle and discovered two male Mexican nationals locked inside the trunk of the car.

Agents arrested the driver and passenger for human smuggling.

In a separate comment, Campo Patrol Agent in Charge David BeMiller said, “Agents did a fantastic job detecting two separate human-smuggling cases, leading to the rescue of three individuals and the drivers now face criminal prosecution.”

Since October 1, 2015, Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector have intercepted 14,449 individuals who attempted to illegally enter the U.S.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance in corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021